Florida coach Todd Golden could receive hostile reception at FSU amid allegations

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida basketball coach Todd Golden‘s first road game at Florida State comes amid salacious accusations a hostile crowd could use as ammunition.

Prior to discussing Friday night’s contest and the Gators’ expected reception, Golden read a statement to address allegations he stalked and sexually harassed multiple women, including UF students.

“I’m not going to comment on absolutely anything in regards to the investigation, out of the respect of the process,” Golden read from a piece of paper, while his left hand holding it visibly shook. “And to be clear, I would love to be able to comment on multiple elements of the investigation, but I’m simply not allowed to do so out of the requirements due to confidentiality.

“I’m also actively engaging with my legal team to see what potential proceedings I will have the ability to take as I proceed through this, if I desire to do so.”

Sneers and jeers are a given when these in-state rivals meet, but the news swirling around Golden should intensify the ridicule. The 39-year-old downplayed what he’s about to face at FSU’s Donald L. Tucker Center.

“To me, it’s no different than any other road game,” Golden said. “We anticipated being a raucous environment, a crowd that is going to come after us, and we’re going to do everything we can to be prepared to go compete the best of our abilities.”

Veteran guard Will Richard is in his third season with Golden.

“We’ve all rallied around him,” he said. “We’ve been stressing in practice that it’s all about us, just keeping a circle tight and controlling what we can control. The main thing for us is just focusing on winning.”

The No. 20 Gators (3-0) seek their fourth straight victory against the Seminoles (3-0) following an 86-62 win Monday night against Grambling State.

Golden received a warm reception from a reported crowd of 7,857 Monday night at the O’Connell Center before the resounding win.

Five Gators scored in double figures, led by 6-foot-11 Washington State transfer Rueben Chinyelu with 14 points to tie his career high. Richard had 12 points and a career-high five steals.

The 6-foot-4, 206-pound senior said Thursday his goal is to become “a well-rounded player being able to do a lot of different things on the court to get my team wins.”

Richard will be among a contingent looking to slow down FSU leading scorer Jamir Watkins. The 6-foot-7, 210-pound redshirt senior averages 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3 steals.

“That do-it-all wing, a guy that’s unique because at that position he’s able to initiate and execute a lot of the offense,” Golden said. “He’s strong and physical.

“It’s hard to guard him with guards, but it’s hard to guard him with frontcourt players as well.”

Richard, 6-foot-9, 215-pound Thomas Haugh and 6-foot-2, 210-pound Alijah Martin will take their turns against Watkins. Martin, an FAU transfer with 12 steals in three games, has quickly established himself as the defensive tone-setter.

“He’s such a disruption on the ball,” Richard said.

FSU fans will aim to be disruptive themselves, with their energies surely directed at Golden.

“It’s going to be a great challenge, being on the road for the first time in a rivalry game,” Golden said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity regardless to go out and see what we’re capable of.”

Gators sign Alex Lloyd of Fort Lauderdale

UF’s signed Alex Lloyd at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, the No. 12 prospect in Florida and No. 56 nationally in the 2025, according to 247Sports composite rankings. The 6-foot-3, 165-pound shooting guard averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 23.6 minutes as a high school junior, per MaxPreps.

“Alex is one of the best high school guards in the country,” Golden said. “We are really excited to add him to our group.”